San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters via a conference call on Monday, the day after the team's 17-13 Week 1 victory over division rival Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, two key offensive weapons left the game with injuries.
Tight end George Kittle exited in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings left in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury and was unable to return.
Kittle and Jennings injuries
Shanahan confirmed that Kittle will be sidelined for "a few weeks," and Jennings is still being evaluated. When asked if the injured reserve list is a possibility for Kittle, the coach said, "When they tell me a few weeks, it's always a possibility. I mean, in order to do that, it's got to be a four-week injury, so I don't think we've decided on that yet."
George Kittle is likely out 3-5 weeks with the hamstring injury, source says, making him a candidate for Injured Reserve. https://t.co/pdGtuxzZPJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025
The good news is that Jennings' MRI showed no issues, but the 49ers are still awaiting the results from a CT scan. However, Shanahan confirmed that the receiver has a chance to play in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
With Brandon Aiyuk still working his way back from ACL and MCL injuries, Jennings and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall are the starters on the outside. Second-year wideout Jacob Cowing is working his way back from a hamstring injury, while rookie Jordan Watkins was inactive on Sunday after returning to practice from a high-ankle sprain suffered during the preseason. Additionally, veteran Demarcus Robinson isn't eligible to return until Week 4 due to suspension.
Jennings is coming off his best season, recording 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He tallied two catches for 16 yards on five targets against Seattle.
Last season, Kittle recorded his fourth career 1,000-yard season, finishing with 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. He hauled in four receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown on four targets against the Seahawks.
Purdy's Week 2 status uncertain
Quarterback Brock Purdy also emerged from the game with multiple injuries—his left shoulder and toe. While the shoulder issue is minor, the toe injury is more concerning. Purdy is considered "day-to-day" and uncertain for Week 2. If Purdy is unable to start, Mac Jones will likely take his place.
"We're not sure. We got to see how it heals and how the week goes on it," Shanahan said of Purdy's Week 2 status.
Shanahan confirmed that the 49ers may need to sign another quarterback this week to serve as a backup if Jones is forced to start against the Saints. That depends on Purdy's progress over the next 24 hours and throughout the week.
Bartch ailing
Left guard Ben Bartch is dealing with a mild knee sprain and is day-to-day.